2007-07-15 - X-49 fliesPiasecki X-49A flies

The VTDP is a second generation of PiAC's "Ring-Tail" ducted fan compound helicopter technology that replaces the conventional helicopter's tail rotor. In addition to providing anti-torque and yaw control, the VTDP also provides forward thrust and thrust vectoring control. In combination with a lifting wing and modification to the flight control, propulsion and other systems, PiAC believes the VTDP Compound offers significant improvement to helicopter speed, range, ceiling, survivability and life cycle costs.The X-49A VTDP Flight Demonstration is being conducted under a two Phase flight test program. The Phase 1 test effort is focused on in-flight validation of loads, performance, dynamics and vibration reductions of the test aircraft within the existing SH-60F operational flight envelope. After successful completion of these tests, including demonstration of performance improvements, the Government may decide to pursue Phase 2 flight testing that would incorporate a propulsion system upgrade and drag reduction features for flight verification of the performance enhancements.This program is a U.S. Army Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) initiative being managed by the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, VA. Successful flight demonstration of this technology will provide the Services a basis for assessing potential application of this technology to upgrade existing helicopter platforms such as the H-60, AH-64, and Marine Corps H-1 helicopters, as well as expand the technology base for future potential platforms, such as the Joint Multi-Role rotorcraft.